6 dead as wire of cargo ropeway snaps in Gujarat

Rapid Summary

• Six persons died after the cable wire of a cargo ropeway snapped at Pavagadh Hill temple in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district.
• The incident was confirmed by Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat. Rescue and relief operations involving police and fire brigade teams are underway.
• Pavagadh Hill temple attracts around 2.5 million visitors annually and is dedicated to Goddess Kali.
• Situated 800 metres above ground, pilgrims can ascend via 2000 steps or use cable cars to reach the summit.
• Officials stated that public access to the ropeway had been closed earlier in the day due to inclement weather.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The tragic accident highlights critical safety concerns regarding infrastructure operations near popular pilgrimage sites in India.With millions visiting annually, facilities like ropeways provide necessary accessibility but also demand strict maintenance standards and contingency preparedness. While adverse weather may have factored into this incident, it underscores the importance of prioritizing routine inspections and robust safety protocols at high-altitude venues with sizable footfall.Continued intervention by authorities for improved oversight could prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring both visitor safety and trust.

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